As the 100-day countdown began in Huafa Mall on July 24, court champion Steffie Graf promised in a pre-recorded video to show up at the 2016 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Elite Trophy Zhuhai.

The organizing committee of the Nov 1-6 competitions released a competition progress report and innovative initiatives during the announcement activity. 

WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai starts countdown. 

Many local residents gathered to witness the moment. Nearly 10,000 dominos formed the logo of the competition, sending invitations of “Shine in Zhuhai” to world tennis fans. 

Steffie Graf promises to meet with Chinese fans in Zhuhai during the 2016 WTA Elite Trophy. [Photos by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily APP]

The highest-level tennis tournament in South China, the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai will take place at the Hengqin International Tennis Center with total prizes of $2.21 million. Players seeded 9 to 19 are required to participate, guaranteeing the excellence of the competition. The WTA has customized the top-level tournament for Zhuhai since last year and has committed to the venue for five consecutive years. 

This year’s match-watching and service experience have been upgraded. The reputable art and cultural exhibitions of last year will return. And, the Savour Food Festival will offer tastes from around the globe made on site by head chefs from Michelin star restaurants. 

Present as guests were Deputy Director of the Tennis Administration Center of State General Administration of Sports, Qing Shanglin; Competition Department Director Wan Jianbin; WTA Asia Pacific Operations Vice President Chen Shu; and Zhuhai Vice Mayor Long Guangyan.